HEIDI, 30, insists she wasn't sad when the Sugababes came to an end and says throwing herself into stage show Happy Days: A New Musical has helped her rediscover her love of theatre and build her fitness.

Rachael McAllister

Heidi Range will be starring in Happy Days: A New Musical at Glasgow's King's Theatre

FORMER Sugababe Heidi Range has ruled out a reunion with the band, insisting she’s enjoying life away from the group that made her a star.

Heidi, 30, who is heading to Scotland with stage show Happy Days: A New Musical, said: “I wasn’t sad when it came to an end.

“I was in the band for 11 years and I feel really lucky I was part of it for that long but I was definitely ready for the break.

“Sugababes took over my life and that’s what controlled every day, every week, every month. I just wanted a bit of time to myself really. We’ve not really done anything together for about two years.”

She said: “The Big Reunion isn’t something I’d want to do at the moment. I know they say never say never but I’m not interested just now.

“Jade is doing her musical Tonight’s The Night and I believe Amelle is in the studio working on solo material.

“We don’t speak and don’t really phone each other but we send each other tweets and messages and I see the girls at some things.

“I’ve not seen Amelle since May, when both of them came to my 30th birthday.”

2009 Getty Images

Heidi with fellow Sugababes Jade Ewen and Amelle Berrabah

Leaving the group gave Heidi the opportunity to pursue her first love – live theatre. For the last five months she’s been touring with the Happy Days show as Pinky, the sassy love interest of The Fonz.

She said: “I’ve done theatre before when I was a lot younger, before Sugababes, and I loved performing in front of a live audience every night.

“It’s exciting to go back to that. It’s something I wanted to do. I was waiting for the right show and right part.

“What I loved about this role is that I get to sing different styles of song and show off my voice, whereas in the band you get one voice.”

After five weeks of rehearsals, Heidi threw herself into the tour, which she says has already helped to build her fitness.

She said: “I definitely feel my stamina has improved as the shows have gone on. I’ve not been to the gym yet and will need to start doing that but we’re doing a lot of promotion so I’ve not had the time.

“I work out with a trainer when I’m at home but I do feel I’ve lost a bit of weight on tour.

“You have to look after yourself and your voice and I drink lots of water, eat lots of greens and take honey.”

Despite performing for the likes of the late Nelson Mandela with Sugababes, Heidi admitted she still suffers from nerves every night.

She said: “I get them every single show but once I’ve got the first scene done it’s better. I had nerves when we first started making music as the Sugababes but we kept on doing the same numbers so they disappeared.”

Heidi, who would love to see the show being put on in London’s West End, is hoping to bring her two pugs and her sister to spend time with herin Glasgow.

And she’s also planning to do a bit of partying while she’s in the city.

She said: “The last time I was here was to watch Kings of Leon with my pals.

“We thought it would be fun to jump on the train and make a few days of it.

“It was raining so I wore my hood up and only a few people recognised me.”

* Happy Days: A New Musical is at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow, from February 24 to March 1.

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Compiling any ‘top ten’ of bands is always going to cause arguments and this one has been no exception.
The Eagle Radio office has never been as animated as it has been whilst we put this one together and we’re sure you have an opinion too.
So have a look through our Top Ten Bands and Artists from Surrey and North East Hampshire – and then vote in our poll to tell us who you think is the best (and if we've missed any off!)1. Genesis – Godalming
Genesis are one of the biggest selling bands of all time, reportedly shipping around 150 million albums worldwide, and it all started in Godalming. The original members, Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Chris Stewart got together at Charterhouse School in 1967. Later Phil Collins would join and eventually lead the band following Gabriel’s departure.2. The Jam – Woking
It all began for The Jam at Sheerwater School in 1972, with their first gig played at Michael’s bar. They are so much a part of Woking’s cultural history that a sculpture tribute to them was erected in the town centre in 2012. Their first album came out in 1977 and, much to the disappointment of fans, they eventually split in 1982 – but hey, that’s entertainment!3. Paul Weller – Woking
OK ‘The Modfather’ is essentially getting two mentions but his record is impressive. As well as his success with The Jam, Weller racked up 11 top ten solo studio albums and he continues to attract huge audiences to his gigs, including one at Guildford’s G Live in October 2013.4. Rick Parfitt (Status Quo) - Woking
Another from Woking, Quo guitarist Parfitt went to Goldsworth School. He’s been in the band since day one and wrote one of their most famous songs ‘Whatever You Want’. Status Quo are still going strong and have lined up a number of tour dates in 2014.5. Bros - Camberley
That’s right, Bros are from Camberley. The band was formed in 1986 but it wasn’t until 1987 that they hit the big time with the release of ‘When Will I Be Famous’. They had eight top ten hits, including a number one with ‘I Owe You Nothing’ before splitting in 1992.6. The Stranglers – Guildford
Originally called The Guildford Stranglers, it should come as no surprise that The Stranglers are from … Guildford. But wait! It turns out none of the band members are actually from the Surrey town. However, it is where it all began as they first started playing together at The Jackpot; a Guildford off-licence.7. Amelle Berrabah (Sugababes) – Aldershot
Amelle joined the Sugababes in 2005, seven years after the original line-up got together, replacing Mutya Buena. Born in Aldershot, she also went to the Guildford Academy of Contemporary Music.8. Jason J Brown (5ive) – Aldershot
Another Aldershot star, Jason J Brown enjoyed worldwide success with boy band 5ive. They sold 20 million records between 1997 and 2001, before briefly re-uniting in 2006.9. Alison Goldfrapp - Alton
Alison Goldfrapp, of Goldfrapp fame, was actually born in Enfield but moved to Alton as a child and spent much of her youth in the Hampshire town. Formed in 1999, Godlfrapp are still going strong having notched up three top ten hits.10. Newton Faulkner – Reigate and Guildford ACM
Full name Sam Newton Battenberg Faulkner, he was born in Reigate and learned his trade at the Guildford Academy of Contemporary Music. He has had two number one albums and has had singles success with hits like ‘Dream Catch Me’.

Monday, 3 February 2014

AS ONE third of the girl band the Sugababes, Jade Ewan enjoyed massive chart success.

Now the trio have gone their separate ways, Jade has gone back to her roots and is treading the boards in the Tonight's The Night, the smash hit musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart.

The all-singing, all-dancing feel-good show premiered in the West End in 2003 and went on to play sold-out theatres across the UK.

It's now touring the UK and stops off at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, next week.

With a book by multi award-winning writer and comedian Ben Elton (We Will Rock You), Tonight's The Night features a live band and includes more than 20 classic Rod Stewart hits like Tonight's the Night, Hot Legs, Baby Jane, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, Maggie May, This Old Heart of Mine, I Don't Wanna Talk About It, Ooh La La, Some Guys Have All the Luck, Forever Young, Sailing and many more.

As the Herald Express caught up with Jade, she was rehearsing for opening night. She took time out of technical rehearsals to talk about the show.

"I'm really excited about being in the musical," she said.

"Everyone is so nice and I love the songs. We've been rehearsing in the studio with just a pianist and now we have a full band and it all sounds great.

"If you are a Rod Stewart fan, you'll love it as it's jam packed with his songs but, instead of being a story about his life, we've incorporated the songs into a story with Ben Elton writing.

"I'm hoping to meet Rod when the show goes to London, hopefully, he'll come along."

The singer and actress is playing the role of Dee Dee.

"She's fiery and aggressive and can be a bit of an intimidating character, but really she's gentle and soft on the inside.

"You see her vulnerable side when she falls for a character called Rocky. Rocky doesn't love her, and that's when you see her personality. I sing The First Cut is the Deepest. That's my favourite one, as you change your mind about her when you hear that song."

Jade has always loved to perform and won a full scholarship to the highly acclaimed Sylvia Young Theatre School, which she attended for five years.

While at the famous school, she won the role of Nala in the West End production in the Lion King.

"It was a dream to go to that school," she said.

"My favourite film is Fame so it was like going to a real life Fame school. I had the best time. We still had to do our maths, English and science, but we were dancing all day Thursday and Fridays.

"I was so sad to leave, but I'm still in touch and so many ex students are still in the entertainment business now."

Jade shot to fame when she entered the Eurovision Song Contest representing the UK in 2009.

She was selected by the public to perform the Andrew Lloyd Webber penned track It's My Time and achieved fifth place.

"I didn't know how huge as it was, as in England we don't take it as seriously as other countries. You literally become a superstar for a short time," she said.

"I remember getting to Russia and having to have a police escort and people were holding my CD, as it was given out with the Russian version of OK magazine.

"I couldn't believe so many people knew who I was. It was crazy but so much fun.

"I'm pleased at coming fifth, but would have loved to have won.

"Now looking back I think I can give myself a pat on the back."

Off the back of her appearance on the contest, she was the stand out performer to join the Sugababes after Keisha left the band.

She had two UK top 10 singles with the group. They had massive chart success selling millions of records.Their success continued despite various line up changes.

She's enjoying life out of the band but hasn't ruled out a come back.

"I don't know whether we'd do the Big Reunion, but in years to come we could reunite as there is no bad feeling between us," said Jade.

"We could easily get back together but at the moment we're all doing our own things. Now I can go on tour and do the wonderful things I wasn't able to do when I was in the band.

"It was such amazing opportunity and I learnt so much. When you first get into a group you usually build your profile, I didn't get that because I was thrown into the deep end. It was kind of a sink or swim moment, but I hope I rose to the challenge.

"I'm grateful for that as I've had experience with touring and interviews and had scrutiny and drama and am still going strong."

She also wishes the original line of the Sugababes well.

Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan have recently reunited to form the group MKS.

"I grew up listening to their music and was used to seeing that line up. I wish them well and hope they are successful, as it isn't an easy business," she said.

"They should just get back to the music and enjoy it."

After the Sugababes, Jade faced a fear of swimming and took part in the ITV diving contest Splash, which recently returned to our television screens.

"I can't relax while watching it," she said.

"I felt like I was reliving it all over again. I didn't know how to swim before I did the show, so it was terrifying.

"When I watched it I was squirming. The feeling of standing on the metre board and looking at the audience and thinking don't let me drown.

"I cried more or less every night and ended up having nightmares about drowning, so I wouldn't do it again."

As well as performing, Jade is passionate about being a patron of the charity Young Carers.

"My dad is fully blind and partially deaf and my mum is partially sighted and brother sister and I are still carers to our parents," she said.

"When I was younger I just got on with it, but we didn't get much emotional support outside our family unit. I think it's important to know there are others in the same boat."

The official TV trailer for our week in Southampton at the Mayflower Theatre, 11th-15th February.

Happy Days are here again with the premiere of a brand new UK tour based on the hit TV series, featuring the unforgettable 'King of Cool' Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli.

Join your favourite '50's family, the Cunninghams and the rest of the gang -- Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi as they battle to save their beloved diner Arnold's from demolition. In a race against time, can everyone's favourite hero 'The Fonz' save the day?

Happy Days -- A New Musical is written by Garry Marshall, the legendary creator of the television series. Garry is also the director of many world-wide smash-hit films including Pretty Woman, Beaches and The Princess Diaries 1&2. It includes 21 original songs by Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe award-winning Hall of Fame Songwriter, Paul Williams (Bugsy Malone, Evergreen, Rainy Days and Mondays). The show also contains the much-loved Happy Days theme song from the TV show.

Starring popstar HEIDI RANGE as Pinky Tuscadero, CHERYL BAKER as Mrs Cunningham and BEN FREEMAN as the legendary Fonz, Happy Days -- A New Musical is a hilarious feel-good musical that is guaranteed to have you rockin' and rollin' all week long!

For exclusive news and exciting images from the tour please check out our social media accounts:

About Me

Followers

The Jade Ewen Story so far...

Jade Almarie Louise Ewen (born 24 January 1988) is an English singer, songwriter, actress and member of the Sugababes. Ewen began her singing career in the girl group Trinity Stone signed to Sony BMG in 2005, but they disbanded in 2007 with no album released. In 2009, she represented the UK at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Diane Warren penned "It's My Time" after winning the UK national selection. She achieved 5th place, cementing her as the most successful British Eurovision act since 2002. She replaced Keisha Buchanan in the Sugababes in September 2009, while at the time still signed to Polydor Records.

Ewen was born and brought up in Plaistow, London, to a Jamaican mother, Carol and a Scottish-Sicilian father, Trevor. Trevor is blind and partially deaf, while Carol is partially blind. Ewen was a carer to both her parents and two younger siblings, Shereen and Kiel.She received a scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theatre School. As a student at Sylvia, she appeared in The Bill, Casualty and Mr. Harvey Lights a Candle.Ewen also won the part of Nala in The Lion King at the West End at the age of twelve. Ewen appeared in the children's dance DVD, entitled How To Dance. She also featured briefly in the video for pop rock band Busted's "What I Go to School For".

Between 2003 and 2004 she appeared in the Australian series Out There. In 2005, Ewen became a member of the girl group Trinity Stone which was signed to Sony BMG. The group disbanded in 2007. She later recorded with rapper Kwamé, who was impressed with her work on MySpace. She released a digital single, "Got You" in 2008 under Kwame's Make Noise label. Ewen co-wrote the song "A Little Bit" for the girl group Booty Luv and also "Let Me Be Me" for Jessica Mauboy. In early 2009, Ewen acted in the first episode of the series, Myths.

In January 2009, Ewen was approached and participated in the UK national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. She was eventually selected to represent the UK with the song "It's My Time" composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber who accompanied her on piano onstage. Ewen was signed with Polydor Records in February and began working on her debut album. In May Ewen finished in fifth place, the highest placing for the United Kingdom since 2002.

In September 2009, it was announced that Ewen had joined the Sugababes as the replacement for Keisha Buchanan.While her second single, "My Man" had been released in the same week, promotional activities for the single were cancelled. Although the single still managed to reach #35 in the charts. In an interview with the BBC, Ewen confirmed her commitment to the Sugababes as her main priority and that her solo album was put on hold. "About a Girl" later debuted at number eight in the UK. Sweet 7 was released in early 2010 after multiple delays from late 2009, and charted at #14 on the UK albums chart. In late 2010 Jade was revealed as the new face of Miss Ultimo lingerie, modelling the lingerie fashion lines Autumn/Winter collection for 2010.

A Brief History of The Sugababes

Sugababes are an English pop girl group based in London, consisting of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. The Guinness Book of World Records have named the Sugababes as the most successful female act of the 21st century with six UK number one singles and eighteen UK top ten hits.

Sugababes were formed in 1998 by founding members Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. In 2001, after just one album and some initial success, Donaghy departed and the introduction of Range in the same year was met with the commercial success. The group survived a second line-up change in December 2005, when Buena left the band and was subsequently replaced by Berrabah. In September 2009, it was confirmed that after eleven years in the band, Buchanan was no longer part of the group and had been replaced by Jade Ewen.